Moment Democrat ‘Squad’ member Rashida Tlaib’s aide uses umbrella to try and block journalist from asking congresswoman question
An employee of Squad member Rashida Tlaib’s team tried to stop a Fox News reporter from asking her questions about the prospect of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing the US Congress.
Representative Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in the House of Representatives, has sharply criticized Israel’s response to Hamas’ brutal attack on the Jewish state on October 7.
Israel is fighting to eradicate Hamas militants who attacked Israel. Palestinian authorities say more than 35,000 people have been killed during Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
On Thursday, the Michigan Democrat was walking near the Capitol when Fox News’ Chad Pergram approached her.
In the video broadcast by the conservative network, the reporter begins his question: “What happens if Netanyahu comes…” before the umbrella is shoved in his face, blocking Pergram from seeing her.
Fox News reporter Chad Pergram tries to ask Rep. Rashida Tlaib about the prospect of Netanyahu speaking before Congress
Despite attempts to rebuff him, Pergram persisted in what has been called “Umbrellagate.”
When the staffer changes positions, Pergram starts asking his questions again.
‘Mrs. Tlaib, what happens when Netanyahu comes to speak? Is it a mistake for the speaker to expand this request? What do you think about Democratic leaders also agreeing to that request?’ he asks.
‘Would you be there? Would you protest in any form?’ Pergram continues to exist.
While the umbrella continued to be used to cover up the Squad member, Tlaib finally responded.
“I don’t know, inviting a war criminal to Congress is a sham. It’s a shame,” she said.
A dispute arises between the Fox crew and Tlaib’s staff over whether anyone was hit. “We got it on video, guys,” Pergram says.
During a segment on Bret Baier’s show, he referred to the incident as “Umbrellagate.”
Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said on Thursday that Netanyahu would soon address a joint meeting of Congress, amid heightened tensions with President Joe Biden over the Israeli leader’s handling of the war in Gaza.
Ultimately, Pergram managed to get a clear line to Tlaib
In brief remarks, Tlaib called Representative Benjamin Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’
During a keynote speech at the Israeli embassy’s annual Independence Day reception, Johnson, the top Republican in Congress and a critic of the Democratic president’s Israel policies, said this would be “a strong show of support for the Israeli government at a time of greatest need. ‘
Such a speech is sure to further anger progressive Democrats who criticize Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and Biden’s support for it. Netanyahu has aligned himself closely with the Republicans.
The diplomatic meeting in Washington comes amid tensions between Biden and Netanyahu over a US push on Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians in the war against Hamas militants in Gaza.
The embassy gave equal billing to Democratic U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, who shared the high-profile platform with Johnson at a more subdued event in the shadow of the Gaza war.
“As Americans, we reaffirm our commitment to Israel’s sovereignty,” he said.
First, Johnson said to applause: “Tonight I am pleased to announce… that we will soon host Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Capitol for a joint session of Congress.”
Successive US administrations have typically sent a senior official to Independence Day receptions.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has called the situation in Gaza a “humanitarian catastrophe” in recent months and urged a ceasefire, delivered last year’s keynote, in which he mainly praised American support for Israel.
An Israeli official said the embassy wanted to honor lawmakers in a bipartisan manner this year in appreciation of Congress’ approval of billions of dollars in new U.S. military aid.
The reception took place on the same evening as a state dinner at the White House for Kenyan President William Ruto, causing a scheduling conflict for Cabinet members, according to the Israeli official.
Several less experienced Biden aides were in attendance, including Derek Chollet, an adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The White House declined comment on whether it had been consulted about the invitation to Netanyahu and whether Biden, who has denied an Oval Office meeting to the Israeli leader, might see him in Washington.